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joethewindsufa
Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 8:37 am Post subject: FreeFormula question |
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This summer i purchased a BIC Techno Formula which was called a "FreeFormula" back in the day. It is 94 cm wide and 267 cm long. It is quoted at 170 liters.
I started with an 8-oh and quickly went to the TR-4 10-oh. It is FUN in 10 to 16 knots and then i go to the 8-oh with a 160 liter free-ride board.
The shop owner told me that it was a FUN board, butt NOT that fast and stopped at about 41 kph.
I enjoy the ride and wonder what it would be like to have a little bit faster board.
Boards in this category seem to be the JP SLW and the SB US. They are aound 90 cm wide and around 150 - 160 liters. However, they are quite short and Tinho Dornellas seems to feel they are "too short" and not that much FUN for a heavyweight of 100 kilos like me. He mentions schlogging and for me i imagine tacking can be an issue ...
Since there is "heated" discussion about Formula, perhaps these boards are a better option ??
ie BIC Techno Formula {if u can get one}, Starboard UltraSonic and JP SUperLightWind {now 2 sizes available} |
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jingebritsen
Joined: 21 Aug 2002 Posts: 3371
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joethewindsufa
Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 10:26 am Post subject: |
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as a heavyweight i use the BTF in 10 to 16 knots with a 10 sq meter sail
the new Exocet RS7 looks similiar to the boards i mentioned
again it is only 232 cm long
i am looker for a faster board in this class, butt not over the top race
the BTF is gentle - like a Cadillac on water = smooth
thanx john |
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tthole
Joined: 08 Oct 2002 Posts: 54
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:12 am Post subject: |
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What fin are you using on the Techno formula? You have a good sail and board combination. The first thing I would try to get more speed is to make sure you have a great fin to match the board and sail.
You might even be able to pick up a good formula fin on Ebay. Let us know what you are using now.
Tim |
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jlooby
Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 69
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:28 am Post subject: |
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Hey Joe - Joe from Ontario here.
I've owned a JP SLW and found it not to be very fast at all (never used a gps on it but it just wouldn't light up for me). For a fast free formula try a SB ff158 - that thing moves! (although it is hard to get planning - needs alot of pumping)
SB Formula 161 is quite fast as well
If i recall correctly I think I had both the 158 and the 161 up to +/-27 knots max speed on gps.
I've heard the sb ff138 are very fast as well.
Joe |
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dllee
Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:41 am Post subject: |
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Fin and rig setup, tuning, and sailor ability is much more important than going for a new board.
As said, a fast Formula fin not quite 70 cms.
Footstraps and mast track tuned for the wind, and your weight.
Sail tuned for the exact wind speeds, not a range.
Well powered, of course.
That, together with a decent pilot, will go as fast as anything on the water in those breezes.
You aren't talking angle and acceleration. |
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coachg
Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3560
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 11:45 am Post subject: Re: FreeFormula question |
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joethewindsufa wrote: | He mentions schlogging and for me i imagine tacking can be an issue ... |
I could never understand why people would care about the schlogging performance difference between a formula or freeformula. That is like watching two motorhomes climbing the Grapevine. One is traveling at 36 mph and the faster one pulls out to pass at 38 mph!
If you are going to be schlogging a bunch get a long board. When making a decision about getting formula vs. freeformula schlogging should not be in the equation.
Coachg |
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joethewindsufa
Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 12:42 pm Post subject: |
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coachg - i have the long board and am a longboarder for last 15 years
my favourite longboard so far is the Fanatic Ultra CAT
mine needs repairs - epoxy does NOT seem to work
next best thing was the BIC Techno Formula
AND i am investigating the fin on the BIC Techno Formula
thanx Tim
i WAS using a True Ames Santa Barbara/SB 58 cm Trimm fin - was all i could find at the time ...
now found a new 63 AND 66 slalom fin
Select is suggesting the 66
with that fin, which i have reserved, i hope to plane even earlier and better upwind
i DO use an adjustable outhaul for wind-range
have NOT experimented with mast base placement yet
with the 10-oh i have kept the mastbase at the front
based on what i have seen here - thanx joe and john - will test the new fin AND check out my buddy's new SB US 147 !!! |
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swchandler
Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 1:04 pm Post subject: |
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joethewindsurfa,
Have you considered Tinho Dornellas' Z2 Custom board? For a big guy like yourself, it has the added length and sufficient volume to be a good candidate worth considering.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTRrxuuCxmw |
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joethewindsufa
Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal
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Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 3:08 pm Post subject: |
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swchandler:
that is my dream boat
and i have said as much on Tinho's forum
just need more cents/sense |
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